I've perused many websites in an attempt to find out exactly how many feet per year in height our Magnolia alexandrina soulangiana will grow and ultimately how tall? I keep finding the word 'moderate', which isn't exact enough for me. Our magnolia is of the multi-trunk variety, which I've also seen described as a 'shrub'. It sits in the western exposure of our home where it gets the mid-day and afternoon sun.

According to the Manual of Woody Landscape Plants by Michael Dirr, "Rate of growth refers to the vertical increase in growth. Rate, as is true for size, is influenced by numerous variables such as soil, drainage, water, fertility, light, exposure, ad infinitum.

The designation slow means the plant grows 12" or less per year; medium (or moderate) refers to 13 to 24" of growth per year; and fast to 25" or greater."

You can expect your tree to grow 30 feet high and wide with a thick canopy. Afternoon sunshine should be fine for your new tree.